What should a first aid kit at work contain

Appointed persons are responsible for maintaining any first aid equipment and facilities. This includes ensuring that the first aid kit is sufficiently stocked at all times. Employers may also delegate the task of carrying out the first aid needs assessment to the appointed person, if they are competent, though the overall responsibility lies with the employer.

They should be made aware of the outcome of the first aid needs assessment and what this means for the contents of the first aid kit, including the minimum quantities of supplies required. The appointed person should regularly check what supplies are in first aid kits, depending on factors such as the size of the business, and replenish any supplies that have been used. The contents of first aid kits must also be checked to ensure they are in date, and any expired products should be dealt with, as explained later in this article.

Most small accidents can be dealt with in the workplace — provided that you have a well-stocked first aid kit to hand. There is no mandatory list of items to put in a first aid kit. However, all workplaces must have a suitably stocked first aid kit on site. For example, workplaces with higher level hazards, such as a construction site, will likely require more equipment than what a low-level hazard workplace, such as an office, needs.

Note that you can buy pre-packed first aid kits that conform to the British Standard BS While you should use the findings of your first aid needs assessment to determine what your kit needs, the HSE suggests that the minimum stock of first aid items within a kit for a workplace with low-level hazards may include:.

These suggested contents may be suitable for an office first aid kit with low-level hazards. Note that workplaces may require more than one first aid kit on site and the contents in them may differ. Again, this will be determined by the findings of the first aid needs assessment. There may also be other requirements depending on the nature of the work.

For example, if you work with food, then plasters must be blue. What is required will depend on your workplace, but may include:. You may also need to tailor the kit if the contents may be used on children or infants, such as at a school.

For example, you may wish to use child-friendly plasters with patterns on. If there is a defibrillator AED on site, and it is intended to also be used on adults, there should be a supply of paediatric pads.

For children aged eight and over, the AED can be used as it would be for adults. For children aged under eight, smaller paediatric pads should be used. Due to the risk of severe injuries in construction, a first aid kit is likely to contain more supplies than a low-risk environment, such as an office.

If a BS compliant first aid kit is purchased, it will need to reflect the contents for a high-hazard environment and the number of workers on-site at any one time. In addition to the basic items, construction employers may also want to consider some additional supplies in their first aid kits, such as:. The contents of the first aid kit and any other necessary equipment will depend on the first aid needs assessment.

If the construction site is remote from medical services, this will also need to be considered when looking at the first aid kit contents. If any items in first aid kits have been used, they must be replenished quickly.

Any items that have expired should be disposed of safely. Why not use our first aid kit contents checklist to monitor your supplies. It is based on BS kits, although it can be adapted to suit your specific situation. First aid is of vital importance in the workplace, as it can saves lives.

Prompt action can also prevent an injury or ill health from worsening, which can improve the outcome for the casualty. To comply with the law, employers must have adequate and appropriate first aid provision to ensure any injuries or ill health incidents are attended to immediately. A first aid kit with suitable supplies is a vital part of this requirement. All employers, regardless of their size, must have at least one first aid kit as a minimum.

A first aid needs assessment is required to determine how many first aid kits are required, the items needed inside the container and any other necessary equipment. Employers can choose BS compliant first aid kits that are industry specific. However, they still need to ensure the kits cover their first aid needs.

If employers are unsure what to put in their first aid kits, they should always seek professional advice. First aid suppliers can also provide guidance on what to include. Michelle graduated with an MSc in wildlife biology and conservation in , but her career has taken quite a different turn to the one expected.

She started in health and safety in and has worked in several industries such as electrical engineering, aviation and manufacturing. In her spare time, Michelle's passions are wildlife and her garden. She has volunteered for many conservation organisations and particularly enjoys biological recording. Michelle also likes hiking, jogging and cycling.

Knowledge Base » Health and Safety » The requirements for a first aid kit. In this article. Checklist for basic first aid items. These items include:. A general guidance leaflet on first aid. Individually wrapped sterile plasters of assorted sizes hypoallergenic if necessary. Sterile eye pads. Individually wrapped sterile triangular bandages. Individually wrapped large and medium-sized sterile unmedicated wound dressings. Disposable gloves nitrile where possible.

This can include supplies, such as:. Individually wrapped moist wipes. Foil blankets. Disposable aprons. Adhesive hypoallergenic microporous tape.

Clothing shears. Sterile disposable tweezers. BS first aid kit. Category of hazard Number of employees Size of first aid kit Low-hazard environment e. Less than 5 1 x small kit 5 to 25 1 x medium kit More than 25 1 x large kit per 25 employees. BS first aid kit contents list Small kit Medium kit Large kit Guidance leaflet 1 1 1 Medium sterile dressing 2 4 6 Large sterile dressing 2 3 4 Triangular bandage 2 3 4 Eye pad dressing 2 3 4 Adhesive dressing 40 60 Sterile wipes 20 30 40 Microporous tape 1 2 3 Nitrile gloves pairs 6 9 12 Face shield 1 2 3 Foil blanket 1 2 3 Burn dressing 10x10cm 1 2 3 Scissors 1 1 1 Conforming bandage 1 2 2 Finger dressing 2 3 4 Sterile eyewash ml 1 1 1.

Many first aid kits are sold as BS compliant. Trained personnel, e. Equipment, e. Facilities, e. Office first aid kit. Burns and scalds from contact with hot water, steam and hot surfaces, e. Musculoskeletal injuries and foot injuries from manual handling of office equipment and supplies. Sprains and fractures from slips, trips and falls on the same level. Cuts and punctures from using office equipment, e. Head injuries due to objects falling from height, e. Cuts, bruises and fractures due to individuals falling from height, e.

Electrical injuries, such as shocks. Skin and eye irritation from contact with hazardous substances, such as cleaning chemicals. Childcare first aid kit. Infants and children are prone to many different types of injuries, such as:. Employees When employees get injured or are ill at work, they look to their employer to help them. That will lead to poor employee morale and even lost time if they need to go to a pharmacy or doctor.

Kepp your first aid box full and your employees will love you. Employers The benefit of outsourcing the checking and replenishing of your first aid kit to us is simple. Your staff will save time checking it themselves.

Home First Aid Box and Contents. First Aid Box and Contents This Additional service involves the inspection of your first aid boxes and the replenishing of contents when required. Overview: It is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit in your workplace.